This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
As Uganda grapples with a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths, the government is intensifying efforts to develop a homegrown vaccine. Dr. Monica Musenero, the senior presidential advisor on epidemics, revealed that the country's vaccine is currently at the animal testing stage.
According to Dr. Musenero, the government is working to source vaccines aggressively to manage the pandemic. This includes procuring multiple vaccine types, such as AstraZeneca, Chinese, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Russian vaccines.
Dr. Musenero emphasized that the government is trying to get more vaccines to have people protected. The second batch of vaccines, expected later this month, will be given to those who have taken at least eight weeks since they received the first shot.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Musenero remains optimistic about the progress made so far. She noted that the virus is not going to disappear tomorrow, but the government is fighting to reduce its threat and impact.
However, the pandemic continues to pose significant challenges, including a high reproductive number, hospital capacity issues, and a shortage of oxygen. Dr. Musenero warned that if the healthcare system becomes saturated, people may die due to delayed oxygen treatment.
Regarding contact tracing, Dr. Musenero explained that it is a luxury that works in the early phases of the epidemic. However, with the current uncontrolled spread, the focus has shifted to population-level interventions to stop the spread.
Dr. Musenero also highlighted the importance of free testing centers, but noted that the Ministry of Health has budget constraints. The government is still providing free testing for people with symptoms, but there are concerns about the waiting time for oxygen treatment.
